Airbus Broughton workers in strike ballot
Airbus workers at Broughton in Flintshire and Filton near Bristol could walk out unless they receive an improved pay offer. Over three thousand aircraft fitters and engineers at the aerospace giant are being balloted from today for industrial action in a dispute over pay.
The workers are members of Unite, who said this follows a series of "unacceptable pay offers". They added that they hoped Airbus will return to the negotiating table and a mutually acceptable agreement can be reached.
The highly skilled workers play a critical role in the production of aircraft wings for the hugely successful A320 family, A330, A350 and A400M military transport aircraft - core programmes in Airbus's global operations.
Airbus said they had made a "competitive and fair pay offer".
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: 'Airbus has posted billions in profit and continues to report record aircraft orders. Workers are still struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and this unacceptable pay offer is simply not good enough. Airbus needs to get back round the negotiating table with an offer our members can accept.'
Unite national officer Rhys McCarthy said: 'There is no justification for denying the workforce — whose skills and dedication drive Airbus' success — a pay rise that reflects both the cost-of-living pressures and inflation.
'Workers are balloting for industrial action as a last resort, due to stalled negotiations. Unite remains fully committed to resolving this dispute through negotiation and stands ready to return to talks with Airbus to secure an agreement which is acceptable to both sides.'
The ballot will run until 24 July. If members vote in favour, strike action could begin in September, with dates to be confirmed.
Sue Partridge, Airbus UK Country Manager, Commercial Aircraft,. said: "We have made a competitive and fair pay offer in 2025. Our revised one year offer to our blue collar employees (3.3% with a further 0.3% in January 2026) is in addition to the £2,644 success bonus payment employees received in April. This builds on the strong foundations of pay increases that total 20% in the last three years.
"Our priority continues to be supporting our employees and ensuring the long-term success and stability of Airbus Commercial Aircraft in the UK.
"It remains business as usual across our operations."
Airbus said a two year deal of 3.6% followed by 3.1% was accepted by 'white collar' colleagues.
They said their annual pay increases are further complemented by one off bonus payments to employees - with a total of £13,119 of one off payments since 2022. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
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